By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
The Holy Church today commemorates the memory of Saint Ignatius Theophorus, Bishop of Antioch.
The name of Saint Ignatius Theophorus signifies his great faith, by bearing Christ into his heart and soul. According to tradition and given that the Saint lived in the 1st century, the Church named him Theophorus (God bearer) because he was the young child Jesus raised in his arms, saying that we should all become good people like young children.
Saint Ignatius belongs to the group of the so-called Apostolic Fathers, since he was a disciple of the Apostles. Around 70 AD he became bishop of Antioch and was distinguished as a fiery shepherd and writer.
During the persecution of Trajan he was arrested and taken to Rome. He resisted to the efforts of the Christians to release him, saying that he would benefit more from death than from his life. Eventually, after much suffering, he was beheaded and died on December 20, 107 AD.
Source: Church of Cyprus
